Robinho celebrates scoring a hat-trick against Stoke while at Manchester City

However, Real Madrid made no secret of their desire to sign Cristiano Ronaldo that same summer — and Robinho took that as a slight, given they play in similar positions.

When they failed to land the Manchester United man, the Brazilian rejected a new contract and demanded a move.

Chelsea, who were now managed by former Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, were favourites for his signature, but it was newly-wealthy Manchester City who made him Britain's most-expensive footballer at £32million on the final day of the transfer window.